Advanced ground fault circuit interrupters (gfci) and methods of operation thereof

ABSTRACT

In one example, a ground fault circuit interrupter is provided. It may include a current imbalance detection circuit configured to provide a leakage signal and a main processing circuit including a processor. The leakage signal may correspond to a current imbalance between a supply path and a return path. The processor may be configured to receive the leakage signal, analyze a time pattern of the leakage signal, determine whether a ground fault exists based on analysis of the time pattern, and generate a first trigger signal if the ground fault is determined to exist. The ground fault circuit interrupter may further include a back-EMF detection circuit configured to provide a back-EMF detection signal. Methods for detecting and responding to a ground fault are also provided.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to apparatuses, systems, and algorithmicmethods for evaluating potential ground fault phenomenon orcharacteristics, for example, for use in a Ground Fault CircuitInterrupter (GFCI). The present disclosure also relates to an innovativecurrent leakage signal analysis and innovative back electromotive force(EMF) detection, to detect and identify ground fault occurrences and toreduce false positives. Further, the present disclosure relates toperiodical automatic self-testing procedure. The present disclosure alsorelates to a force triggering mechanism for quick and easy manualtesting to ensure proper triggering and operation of trippingmechanisms. Further, this disclosure pertains to detection ofend-of-life (EOL) conditions for a GFCI apparatus, and the consequentcommencement of a non-reversible EOL state.

BACKGROUND

Conventional earth current leakage circuit breakers and over-currentfuses are commonly deployed to prevent injuries to people and propertyfrom dangerous conditions resulting from, for example, current leakagesor fires resulting from electrical faults.

Such devices typically detect the occurrence of certain types ofelectrical faults to prevent harm to persons and property. However, whensuch conventional devices are employed, some electrical faults may notbe detected and such devices may falsely detect electrical faults wherenone exist. Such errors may be due to the lack of intelligent groundfault identification systems in conventional devices.

Ground faults may be commonly defined as the existence of a currentimbalance between the supply and the return path wherein an undesirableand significant amount of the unreturned current is leaking, or passingthrough an object—for example a human body, to the ground. Notably, thepassage of electrical current through the human body may cause injury oreven death.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an American Worldwide Safety Consultingand Certification Organization, provides criteria that GFCIs and similardevices must meet in order to qualify as approved ground fault detectiondevices. Such criteria may further require GFCIs and similar devices toavoid false detection of ground faults when provided with current drawsthat may resemble ground faults, such as back-EMF noise or certainpulsed current draws.

Because the failure to detect an actual ground fault may result inserious safety hazards, conventional apparatuses typically are typicallyover-inclusive when determining the presence of a ground fault. Suchconventional apparatuses do not provide for analysis or investigation ofthe nature of the leakage waveform. While erring on the side ofdetermining that electrical faults exist may have beneficial safetyeffects, this may increase the frequency of both false positives ofground fault detection and unnecessary tripping of GFCIs.

Certain electrical appliances and apparatuses may draw current in amanner that may resemble ground fault phenomena, at least when observedby conventional GFCIs and similar devices. For example, certainelectrical appliances may generate back-EMF noise or exhibit otherirregular current drawing behavior during normal operation. Thus, aconventional electrical protection circuit that determines the presenceof a ground fault merely based on the existence of an unbalanced currentcondition may falsely detect ground faults. Accordingly, conventionalelectronic fault detection systems that do not perform a more detailedanalysis of a leakage waveform may disturb the normal operation ofelectrical appliances by the false detection of electrical faults and byinappropriately tripping electrical safety circuits. Such conventionalelectronic fault detection systems may also be out of compliance with ULor other regulatory requirements.

While it may be desirable to have GFCIs and other electronic faultdetection systems engage in a more detailed analysis of a faultdetection waveform in order to reduce occurrences of false faultdetection and inappropriate tripping, it may also be important that anysuch analytic processing algorithm accurately identify a leakagewaveform so that it will not fail to detect a true ground fault or otherqualifying current leakage condition. Thus, an in-depth analysis of aleakage signal waveform and its analytic signature may provide usefulinformation and parameters to make an accurate and safe determination asto whether a ground fault truly exists.

Therefore, there is a need to be able to identify and detect true groundfaults, while also accommodating the operation of certain electricalappliances that may be characterized by unusual current draws. Morespecifically, it may be desirable to distinguish actual ground faultsfrom other unusual current draws by evaluating and characterizing acurrent leakage waveform.

Additionally, there remains a need for a tripping mechanism to ensure aproper, flexible trip operation at the time desired. There furtherremains a need for such a tripping mechanism to provide automatic and/ormanual testing functionality to ensure that the GFCI and/or otherelectrical protection devices work properly.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a description of apparatuses, systems,and methods to address the perceived needs and desires described above.

In one example, a ground fault circuit interrupter is provided. It mayinclude a current imbalance detection circuit configured to provide aleakage signal and a main processing circuit including a processor. Theleakage signal may correspond to a current imbalance between a supplypath and a return path. The processor may be configured to receive theleakage signal, analyze a time pattern of the leakage signal, determinewhether a ground fault exists based on analysis of the time pattern, andgenerate a first trigger signal if the ground fault is determined toexist.

The processor may be further configured to measure a duration of a logiclow of the leakage signal in order to analyze the time pattern, andcompare the duration of the logic low to a predetermined logic lowthreshold in order to determine whether the ground fault exists. Thepredetermined logic low threshold may be between 1.6 ms and 1.8 ms.

The processor may be further configured to count a number of pulses ofthe leakage signal occurring within a predetermined measurement windowin order to analyze the time pattern and compare the number of countedpulses with a predetermined number of pulses in order to determinewhether the ground fault exists. The predetermined measurement windowmay be less than or equal to 10 ms and the predetermined number ofpulses may be between 12 and 18.

The ground fault circuit interrupter may further include a back-EMFdetection circuit configured to provide a back-EMF detection signal. Theprocessor may be further configured to receive and evaluate the back-EMFdetection signal, and, based on the back-EMF detection signal, determinewhether back-EMF noise is occurring or has just occurred. The processormay be further configured to refrain from determining that the groundfault exists if back-EMF noise is occurring or has just occurred. Theprocessor may be further configured to determine that back-EMF noise isoccurring or has just occurred when the back-EMF detection signal is nota logic high.

The ground fault circuit interrupter may further include a trip coilassembly configured to trip the ground fault circuit interrupter inresponse to the first trigger signal, and a reset button assemblyconfigured to place the tripped ground fault circuit interrupter backinto an operating condition.

The processor may be further configured to administer a self-test atstart-up and cyclically on a self-test interval to determine if theground fault circuit interrupter is in an end-of-life condition, andgenerate the first trigger signal and a second trigger signal if theground fault circuit interrupter is in the end-of-life condition. Theself-test interval may be between 1 and 4 hours.

The ground fault circuit interrupter may further include a trip coilassembly configured to trip the ground fault circuit interrupter inresponse to the first trigger signal, and a safety lock coil assemblyconfigured to place a tripped ground fault circuit interrupter in anend-of-life state in response to the second trigger signal. The groundfault circuit interrupter may further include a reset button assemblyconfigured to place the ground fault circuit interrupter back into anoperating condition if the ground fault circuit interrupter is trippedand not in the end-of-life state.

The ground fault circuit interrupter may further include a force triggertesting mechanism configured to trip the ground fault circuitinterrupter regardless of whether the ground fault interrupter ispowered, and a test button configured to activate the force triggertesting mechanism.

The ground fault circuit interrupter may further include an LED. Theprocessor may be further configured to monitor operating conditions on amonitoring interval to determine if there is an abnormal operatingcondition, and provide a signal to the LED if the abnormal operatingcondition is determined to exist. The monitoring interval may be between10 and 15 minutes.

In another example, a method for detecting and responding to a groundfault is provided. It may include receiving a leakage signal, assessinga time pattern of the leakage signal to determine whether a ground faultexists, and generating a trigger signal if the ground fault isdetermined to exist.

Assessing the time pattern may include measuring a duration of a logiclow of the leakage signal, comparing the duration of the logic low to apredetermined logic low threshold, and determining that the ground faultexists if the duration of the logic low is greater than thepredetermined logic low threshold. The predetermined logic low thresholdmay be between 1.6 ms and 1.8 ms.

Assessing the time pattern may include counting a number of pulses ofthe leakage signal occurring within a predetermined measurement window,and determining that the ground fault exists if the number of countedpulses is greater than a predetermined number of pulses. The method mayfurther include determining that the ground fault is a neutral to groundleakage if the number of counted pulses is greater than thepredetermined number of pulses. The predetermined measurement window maybe less than or equal to 10 ms and the predetermined number of pulsesmay be between 12 and 18.

In yet another example, a method for detecting and responding to aground fault is provided. The method may include receiving a leakagesignal, receiving a back-EMF detection signal, and evaluating theback-EMF detection signal to determine whether back-EMF noise is notoccurring and has not just occurred. The method further includes, if ithas been determined that back-EMF noise is not occurring and has notjust occurred, assessing a time pattern of the leakage signal todetermine whether the ground fault exists. Additionally, the methodincludes generating a trigger signal if the ground fault is determinedto exist. Evaluating the back-EMF detection signal may includedetermining that back-EMF noise is not occurring and has not justoccurred when the back-EMF detection signal is a logic high.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate certain embodiments of thepresent disclosure and together with the description, serve to explainthe principles of this disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method of operation for aprocessor of a ground fault protection circuit, consistent with thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 2A-2D depict a circuit diagram of an embodiment of a GFCI of thepresent disclosure, and portions thereof.

FIG. 2E depicts a circuit diagram of an embodiment of a failsafe circuitfor a GFCI, consistent with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3G are illustrations of measured and simulated waveforms of anembodiment of a GFCI of the present disclosure under various conditions.

FIGS. 4A-4G are perspective, front, side, back, bottom, exploded, andfurther exploded views, respectively of an embodiment of a GFCI outlet,consistent with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4H-4K are views of a relay assembly of the embodiment of FIGS.4A-4G.

FIGS. 4L-4N are views of a trip coil assembly of the embodiment of FIGS.4A-4G.

FIGS. 4P and 40 are cross-sectional and side views, respectively, of asafety lock coil assembly of the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4G.

FIG. 4Q is a perspective view of a reset button assembly of theembodiment of FIGS. 4A-4G.

FIGS. 4R and 4S are perspective exploded and perspective cross-sectionalviews of a front portion of the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4G.

FIGS. 4T and 4U are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view,respectively, of a mainboard assembly and other components of theembodiment of FIGS. 4A-4G.

FIGS. 5A-5I are cross-sectional perspective views of the embodiment ofFIGS. 4A-4G that illustrate various GFCI device states, consistent withthe present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the present exemplaryembodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While thedescription includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments arepossible, and changes may be made to the embodiments described withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. The followingdetailed description does not limit the invention. Instead, the scope ofthe invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 2A depicts an exemplary circuit schematic for GFCI circuitry 200.It includes an exemplary current imbalance detection circuit 210 toprovide a leakage signal (at GFCI_DETECT); and an exemplary back-EMFdetection circuit 230 to detect back-EMF and provide a back-EMFdetection signal (at EBMF_DETECT) that may be used to avoid falsedetection of ground faults that may result from back-EMF noise.Consistent with this disclosure, the respective signals may be processedand analyzed by main processing circuit 220, which may comprise forexample, microcontroller unit (MCU) 221 to determine the presence ofand/or classify a ground fault. Subsequent to such determination orclarification, MCU 221 may, as appropriate, engage a tripping mechanismto halt the supply of power to the circuit load.

The ground fault detection and circuit interruption operation ofexemplary GFCI circuit 200 is described below.

FIG. 2B depicts an exemplary current imbalance detection circuit 210 ofGFCI circuitry 200. Current imbalance detection circuit 210 may beconfigured to detect and indicate when there is a significant imbalancein the current between the supply and the return path. Such an imbalancemay indicate the potential existence of a leakage current, and perhaps,a ground fault condition. As further discussed herein, current imbalancedetection circuit 210 may provide a leakage signal indicative of currentimbalance at point GFCI_DETECT.

In exemplary embodiments, circuit 210 may comprise Low Power GroundFault Interrupter IC RV4145 manufactured by Fairchild Semiconductor. Aswould be understood by a person of skill in the art, current imbalancedetection circuit 210 may operate similarly to a ground faultinterrupter circuit, or a portion thereof, in a conventional GFCI. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 2A, current imbalance detection circuit 210may receive input for determining a current imbalance from a set ofcircuit that components includes LC coils 201, 202. However, usingcurrent imbalance as an indicator of a ground fault, alone, mayinsufficient to reliably determine the presence of a true ground fault.As explained below, the leakage signal output at GFCI_DETECT may befurther analyzed to achieve a high confidence determination of whetheror not a ground fault exists.

FIG. 2C depicts an exemplary main processing circuit 220 of GFCIcircuitry 200. Main processing circuit 220 may include microcontrollerunit 221, which may receive the leakage signal from current imbalancedetection circuit 210. Among other functions, main processing circuit220 may analyze the time pattern of the leakage signal and ultimatelyuse such time pattern analysis to determine the presence or absence of aground fault condition. Further, as described below, main processingcircuit 220 may receive and process an back-EMF detection signal fromback-EMF detection circuit 230 to assess whether electrical signalirregularities may be due to back-EMF noise rather than a ground fault.

MCU 221 may, in some embodiments, accomplish the functions describedherein by executing a computer program stored on a non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium. Such computer readable storage mediummay be included within MCU 221, external to MCU 221, or partially withinand partially external to MCU 221. In alternative embodiments, a singleIC may provide the functionality of both main processing circuit 220 andcurrent imbalance detection circuit 210, both main processing circuit220 and back-EMF detection circuit 230, or all three circuits.

Where current imbalance detection circuit 210 detects a currentimbalance equal to or greater than a minimum threshold of, for example,4 mA, 5 mA, or the like, it may determine that a leakage current isoccurring. In exemplary embodiments, circuit 210 may provide a leakagesignal to MCU 221 resembling, for example, the leakage waveform depictedin FIG. 3A. In some embodiments, for example as in FIG. 2B, transistorQ4 may be used to invert the output from Low Power Ground FaultInterrupter IC RV4145 before providing it to MCU 221 at pointGFCI_DETECT.

The leakage waveform may be processed by MCU 221. Where the waveform ischaracterized by a consistent logic low of the leak waveform, MCU 221may determine that a significant current imbalance, and therefore aground fault, has occurred. In exemplary embodiments, a logic lowlasting for a logic low threshold, of, for example, 1.7 ms, or longermay be considered a consistent logic low, which in turn may indicatethat a current leakage situation of 5 mA or more is occurring.

MCU 221 may be configured as to be interrupted when the leakage signalprovided at GFCI_DETECT drops from a logic high to a logic low. Then,MCU 221 may begin to measure the time pattern, including the logic lowduration.

Where the total of logic low duration is equal to or larger than 1.7 ms,or another predetermined logic low threshold, it may be determined thatthere is a leaking current of greater than 5 mA, or anothercorresponding current imbalance threshold. Then, MCU 221 may initiate aprocess to trip the GFCI mechanism, and cease providing power to theoutlet.

Additionally, the time pattern may be measured by counting the number ofpulses—e.g., logic transitions to low then back to high (or viceversa)—within a predetermined measurement window. MCU 221 may count suchpulses. In exemplary embodiments, the predetermined measurement windowmay be, for example, 3 ms, 4 ms, 5 ms, 6 ms, 7 ms, 8 ms, 9 ms, 10 ms, 11ms, 12 ms, or various values there between. In preferred embodiments thepredetermined measurement window may be 10 ms or less. If apredetermined number of pulses, for example, 15 pulses, or more occurwithin the predetermined measurement window, MCU 221 may determine thata ground fault, specifically a neutral to ground leakage, has occurred.Then, MCU 221 may, for example, through a signal provided at TRIG1,initiate a process to trip the GFCI mechanism to cease providing powerto the outlet.

As described in further detail below, MCU 221 may also be configuredperform a self-test and may—for example, through a signal provided at anEOL output pin of MCU 221—initiate a mechanical process to permanentlyplace GFCI in an EOL state where the self-test is conclusively failed.

FIG. 3B depicts a leakage signal waveform that may occur, for example ifa leaked current dangerously travels through a human body, in responseto a leaking current of 240 mA. A human body may have an electricalresistance load of approximately 500 Ohm. Thus, with a supply voltage of120 V_(AC), the typical leaking current through a human body would beapproximately 240 mA. In the example of FIG. 3B, it may be observed thatthe logic low is approximately 15.8 ms, which is greater than 1.7 ms. Assuch, this waveform is indicative of a ground fault with a currentimbalance that is greater than 5 mA. Thus, in this situation, MCU 221may initiate a process to trip the GFCI mechanism, and cease providingpower to the outlet.

FIG. 3C depicts a leakage signal waveform that may occur, for example ifthere is a nearly direct leakage from neutral to ground, shown with atime scale of 2.5 ms/div. Specifically, the waveform of FIG. 3C wasgenerated by effectively shorting neutral and ground with a mere 1.6Ohms of resistance. As can be more clearly observed in FIG. 3D, which isthe waveform of FIG. 3C shown with a time scale of 0.5 ms/div, 15 pulsesoccur during a predetermined measurement window of 3 ms. As such, thiswaveform has a time pattern that is indicative of a neutral to groundleakage. Thus, in this situation, MCU 221 may initiate a process to tripthe GFCI mechanism, and cease providing power to the outlet. FIG. 3Edepicts the waveform of FIG. 3C shown with a time scale of 0.1 ms/div.

FIG. 2D depicts an exemplary back-EMF detection circuit 230 of GFCIcircuit 200. Use of a back-EMF detection signal from back-EMF detectioncircuit 230 may serve to minimize false detection of ground faults andinappropriate trips caused by noisy back-EMF generated by certainelectrical appliances.

When an electrical appliance, for example, a shaver or the like, isswitched off it may generate back-EMF noise, which may cause a currentimbalance resembling a ground fault. In turn, a ground fault may bedetected where none exists and a GFCI may be inappropriately tripped.Back-EMF noise may also cause the 5 V V_(CC) for MCU 221 to be noisy,which may result in unstable MCU 221 behavior.

With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2D, an I/O pin of MCU 221, for examplepin 14, may provide an instability signal in response to the back-EMFnoise. This instability signal may charge a capacitor C9 of back-EMFdetection circuit 230 and cause a transistor Q6 of back-EMF detectioncircuit 230 to switch on. The collector pin of transistor Q6 maygenerate a back-EMF detection signal at EMBF_DETECT, which in turn maybe provided to another interrupt of MCU 221, for example at pin 7. Whenthe back-EMF detection signal is low and until it returns to high,ground fault determinations by MCU 221 may be precluded. This may occurwhen EMBF_DETECT is grounded through transistor Q6. Once the back-EMFdetection signal is returned to high, e.g., 5V, it may be inferred that5 V Vcc is sufficiently restored.

FIG. 3G depicts a typical back-EMF spike that may occur at an output ofMCU 221, here pin 14, when an electrical appliance, such as an electricshaver, is switched off. In the depicted example, the voltage of thisspike jumps to approximately 600 mV, which discharges when the back-EMFceases. FIG. 3F depicts the resulting back-EMF detection signal atEMBF_DETECT before the spike, when transistor Q6 switches on, andfinally when Q6 gradually turns off as the charge on capacitor C9diminishes. During the time between the sharp fall and slow recharge ofthe back-EMF detection signal, MCU 221 may determine that back-EMFnoise, rather than a ground fault has occurred. Thus, as long as theback-EMF detection signal does not read as a logic high, MCU 221 maydisable its ability to determine that a ground fault exists or justoccured and, as a result, may not be able to trip the GFCI unit.

Various predetermined values, including, for example, one or more of acurrent imbalance threshold, a logic low threshold, a predeterminedmeasurement window, a predetermined number of pulses, and an RMS voltagethreshold level may be determined by laboratory tests. For example, thevalues that govern ground fault assessment may be adjustable and, insome embodiments, may be calibrated to reflect each batch of componentsused to assemble a particular manufacturing run of GFCI devices. Forexample, such batch-specific calibration may be necessary to assure thatimproper ground fault assessments (including false positives) are keptto a minimum and/or compliance with UL or other desired certifications.

When appropriate, for example, when a ground fault is detected, MCU 221may provide a trip signal via TRIG1, as depicted in FIG. 2A, to at leasttemporarily remove power provided to the relay T3 of FIG. 2A and therebytrip the GFCI device via trip coil assembly 17, as discussed below. Thismay place the GFCI in a tripped condition, whereby the supply of powerthrough a GFCI device is halted. If appropriate, for example, when anEOL condition is determined, GFCI circuitry 200, may, provide an EOLsignal via an EOL output pin of MCU 221 to safety lock coil assembly 18.As discussed below, providing such a signal may cause a GFCI device toenter an EOL state.

In some embodiments, GFCI circuitry 200 may include additionalfail-safes to prevent it from providing power if MCU 221 suffers amalfunction. Because the ground fault detection and self-testingdescribed herein may only be reliable with a properly functioning MCU221, it may be advantageous for GFCI circuitry 200 to detect an MCU 221malfunction, and cease providing power and/or notify a user of themalfunction in response. To accomplish this, GFCI 100 may furtherinclude a simple failsafe circuit that would, as a default, maintain theGFCI in a tripped state and/or provide a continuous alert signal. FIG.2E illustrates an exemplary embodiment of such a failsafe circuit. Thealert signal may, for example cause a red LED of the GFCI, e.g., D2, toblink continuously. MCU 221 may be further programmed to provide aproper operation signal to the failsafe circuit when it is functioning,for example at TP2, pin13, which may provide a signal at MCU LEDCONTROL. Upon receipt of the failsafe signal, the failsafe circuit maycease from keeping GFCI 100 in a tripped state and may cease fromproviding the continuous alert signal.

With reference to FIGS. 4A-4U, the physical structure of a preferredembodiment of a GFCI outlet 100 containing GFCI circuitry 200 isdisclosed. Although GFCI outlet 100 is discussed in detail as anexample, GFCI circuitry 200 and other technologies disclosed herein maybe adapted for use in GFCI circuit breakers in other forms andconfigurations, as would be understood by persons of skill in the art.

With reference to FIG. 4A, which is a perspective view of an uninstalledGFCI outlet 100, the outlet may comprise face casing 1, middle casing 2,bottom casing 3, output connector assembly 4 to connect the neutralline, input connector assembly 5 to connect to the input line, andground iron piece 6 to be grounded. Face casing 1 may provide access toelectrical jacks 9, reset button 55, and test button 7. FIGS. 4B-4Eprovide additional views of uninstalled GFCI outlet 100.

FIG. 4F provides an exploded view of GFCI outlet 100, which furtherdepicts mainboard assembly 10, which is disposed between and issubstantially enclosed by middle frame 2 and bottom casing 3. FIG. 4Falso depicts reset button assembly 8.

FIG. 4G provides a further exploded view of GFCI outlet 100. Asdepicted, middle frame 20 comprises ground iron piece 6 and staticmiddle frame element 28. Mainboard assembly 10 may include sliding bars11, sliding bar springs 12, sliding bar movable contacts 13, slider 14,slider spring 27, slider linking hole 26, K1 switch 15, and reset rackseat 16, which may engage with each other to facilitate tripping andresetting of GFCI 100. Further, mainboard assembly may include trip coilassembly 17, safety lock coil assembly 18, safety lock 19, safety lockbuckle 20, relay assembly 21, output connector assembly 4, input staticcontacts 23, mainboard 24, and input connector assembly 5.

FIGS. 4H-4K provide additional detail of relay assembly 21 viacross-sectional, front, side and bottom views, respectively (withreference to positioning in FIG. 4G). Relay assembly 21 may includerelay rack 30, relay frame 31, relay iron core 32, relay coil 33, relayspring 39, relay copper piece 38, K2 switch 34, relay movable piece 36,relay movable contact 37, and relay attraction plate 35.

FIGS. 4L-4N provide additional detail of trip coil assembly 17 viabottom, cross-sectional, and back views, respectively (with reference topositioning in FIG. 4G). Trip coil assembly 17 may include trip steelpiece spring 40, trip steel piece 41, trip iron core spring 42, tripcoil 43, trip coil frame 44, trip attraction plate 45, and trip ironcore 46.

FIGS. 40 and 4P provide additional detail of safety lock coil assembly18 via cross-sectional and side views, respectively (with reference topositioning in FIG. 4G). Safety lock coil assembly 18 may include safetylock coil attraction plate 50, safety lock coil 51, safety lock coilframe 52, and safety lock iron core 53. FIG. 4P depicts safety lock coilassembly 18 in an unactivated configuration.

FIG. 4Q provides additional detail of reset button assembly 8 via aperspective view. Reset button assembly 8 may comprise reset button 55,reset spring 56, and reset rod 57 with reset rod locking hole 58.

FIG. 4R depicts an exploded view of face casing 1, test button 7, andtest button spring 59. FIG. 4S depicts a cross-sectional view of testbutton 7 and test button spring 59 assembled within face casing 1.

FIG. 4T provides additional detail of mainboard assembly 10 and othercomponents via a perspective view. As shown, GFCI outlet 100 mayadditionally include magnetic seat 2, power supply connection assembly61, mainboard assembly element static contact 63, and connecting wires65.

FIG. 4U is a partial depiction of a cross-section of GFCI 100, whichillustrates the integration of reset button assembly 8 components withmainboard assembly 10 components.

With reference to FIGS. 5A-5H, certain operations of a preferredembodiment of GFCI outlet 100 are described.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of components of GFCI outlet 100. Thisfigure illustrates the initial, tripped, non-conductive state of anexemplary GFCI outlet 100. Due to force exerted by reset spring 56, thereset button 55 is in its top position, wherein it is fully extendedtowards and may be at least partially extended through face casing 1(not shown). The tip of trip iron core 46 is positioned within sliderlinking hole 26 of slider 14 and preferably abuts an inclined portion ofreset rod 57, just below reset rod linking hole 58. Slider 14 ismaintained at the bottom of reset rack seat 16. In this position, slider14 also contacts K1 switch 15, maintaining it in a closed position. Dueto the force of sliding bar springs 12, sliding bars 11 are each locatedat an inner position. Sliding bar movable contacts 13 are attached toeach of the sliding bars 11, respectively. As such, when sliding bars 10are located at their inner positions, respectively, input staticcontacts 23 are separated from their corresponding sliding bar movablecontacts 13. This separation maintains a non-conductive state of GFCIoutlet 100 and prevents the supply of electric power through jacks 9.

FIGS. 5B-5D are cross-sectional views of components of GFCI outlet 100that illustrate the reset activation process in the circumstance whereGFCI outlet 100 is wired correctly. As shown in FIG. 5B, when resetbutton 55 is manually pressed sufficiently to overcome the force ofreset spring 56, reset button assembly 8, including reset rod 57, movesdownward, bringing reset rod locking hole 58 into substantial alignmentwith trip iron core 46. Thus, due to force exerted by trip iron corespring 42, the tip of trip iron core 46 slides into reset rod lockinghole 58.

As shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, after reset button 55 is released, resetspring 56 pushes reset assembly 8 back into its top position. As shown,due to the engagement of the trip iron core 46 with both reset rodlocking hole 58 and slider linking hole 26 of slider 14, slider 14 isbrought upward into a top position along with reset button assembly 8.In this position, slider 14 opens K1 switch 15, where it is maintained.As a result of slider 14 movement, the inclined faces of slider 14 exertpressure on the corresponding inclined faces of sliding bars 11. Inturn, the sliding bars 11 are pushed outward toward the sides of GFCIoutlet 100, compressing their respective sliding bar springs 12.Ultimately, this outward movement causes sliding bar movable contacts 13to respectively contact corresponding input static contacts 23. Uponsuch contact, outlet 100 may be placed in a conductive, reset state.That is, electric power may be provided through jacks 9.

FIGS. 5E and 5F are cross-sectional views of GFCI outlet 100 andcomponents thereof, respectively, that illustrate a tripping operationresulting from a manual test to ensure a proper fault response. As showin FIG. 5E, to test the tripping functionality of GFCI outlet 100, auser may press the test button 7, overcoming the force of test buttonspring 56. A lower portion of test button 7 may then cause testconducting element 66 to electrically link with test contact staticelement 67. In turn, this causes MCU 221 to provide a signal atMCU_SIMULATION to induce a simulated leakage current. Via processingoperations described herein, GFCI circuitry 100 may register thesimulated leakage current as a ground fault and may provide a triggersignal at TRIG1 (as shown in FIG. 2A).

Trip coil assembly 17 may be configured to receive the trigger signalprovided at TRIG1. As show in FIG. 5F, the trigger signal, when receivedby trip coil assembly 17, ultimately creates an electromagnetic forcethat causes trip iron core 46 to retract against the force of trip ironcore spring 42. As a result, the tip of trip iron core 46 disengagesfrom reset rod locking hole 58, thereby disengaging slider 14 from resetbutton assembly 8. In turn, this permits reset button assembly 8 to moveupward under the force of reset spring 56 and permits slider 14 to moveto the bottom of reset rack seat 16 under pressure of slider spring 27.Slider 14 also contacts K1 switch 15, closing it. In turn, sliding bars11 and their respective sliding bar movable contacts 13 return to theirinner positions under the force of sliding bar springs 12, whichseparates sliding bar movable contacts 13 from input static contacts 23,and halts the supply of power to jacks 9.

The mechanical triggering process discussed in the preceding paragraphmay also be initiated when MCU 221 provides a trigger signal at TRIG1 inresponse to determining the presence of a ground fault occurrence.

Further, in alternative embodiments, a trigger signal may be deliveredas a result of a different type of fault, for example an arc fault, orin response to a remote command.

Tripping by manually pressing test button 7 may be possible through afully mechanical process and, as such, may occur even in the absence ofelectricity. As shown in FIG. 5G, test button 7 may be fully pressed tothe bottom of its stoke range. Here, the bottom portion of test button 7may mechanically engage with trip steel piece 41, causing it to pivotabout its mechanical connection point with the remainder of trip coilassembly 17 and to pull back trip iron core 46. In turn, this may causethe tip of trip iron core 46 to disengage from reset rod locking hole58, thereby disengaging slider 14 from reset button assembly 8,permitting reset button assembly 8 to move upward under the force ofreset spring 56 and permitting slider 14 to move to the bottom of resetrack seat 16 under pressure of slider spring 27. Slider 14 may alsocontact K1 switch 15, closing it. In turn, sliding bars 11 and theirrespective sliding bar movable contacts 13 may return to their innerpositions under the force of sliding bar springs 12, which separatessliding bar movable contacts 13 from input static contacts 23,preventing the supply of power to jacks 9.

FIGS. 5H and 5I are cross-sectional views of components of GFCI outlet100 that illustrate entry into an end-of-life state, whereby outlet 100may be placed in a permanent tripped, non-conductive state. As shown inFIG. 5H, upon determining that outlet 100 should be place in an EOLstate, MCU 221 may provide a trigger signal, for example at TRIG, thatcreates an electromagnetic force that causes trip iron core 46 toretract against the force of trip iron core spring 42. This mayultimately place GFCI outlet 100 into a tripped state in a manneridentical or similar to that discussed above.

As shown in FIG. 5I, simultaneously or subsequently to proving the tripsignal, MCU 221 may provide an EOL trigger signal at an EOL output pinof MCU 221. Receipt of this EOL trigger signal may activate safety lockcoil 51, causing safety lock iron core 53 of safety lock coil assembly18 to travel a distance 54 and partially push through a gap in safetylock coil attraction plate 50. There, safety lock iron core 53 may pushsafety lock 19 into safety lock buckle 20. Safety lock 19 and safetylock buckle 20 may engage, blocking any future downward movement ofreset button assembly 8 and thereby preventing any further resetting ofthe tripped, disconnected GFCI outlet 100. Thus, a permanent EOL statemay be achieved.

When GFCI outlet 100 is incorrectly installed such that the neutral andlive lines of the electrical supply are reversed, power output throughGFCI 100 may automatically be prevented. In one embodiment, relayassembly 21 may automatically be engaged in the presence of such reversewiring to move relay movable contact(s) 37 away from mainboard assemblystatic(s) contact 63. For example, MCU 221 may trigger the relayassembly through a signal provided at TRIG; such signal may cause relayiron core 32 to move, but only in circumstances where the wiring isreversed. By separating normally connecting contacts 37 and 63, theconnection between jacks 9 and input connector assembly 5 is severed. Inthis manner, reverse wiring protection may be achieved.

FIG. 1 provides an exemplary algorithm for ground fault detection andcircuit interruption, consistent with instant disclosure. Such algorithmmay preferably be accomplished by software programmed on MCU 221 of GFCIcircuitry 200 or the like. More generally, the steps of this algorithmmay be performed by a computing device, in concert with other elementsof GFCI circuitry 200. Software embodying the algorithms may be storedin non-volatile storage and/or memory within or outside of a processingdevice and may be executed by the processing device. As would beapparent to persons of skill in the art, the exact order of certainsteps of the disclosed exemplary algorithm embodiments may be alteredwhile still practicing the disclosed algorithms. Similarly, certainsteps of the disclosed algorithm embodiments may be substituted,combined, or removed while still practicing the disclosedalgorithms—consistent with the disclosure herein and/or as would beapparent to persons of skill in the art.

As in step 101, MCU 221 may perform a self-test of GFCI circuit 200 uponpower up, or periodically. With reference to the circuit element in thebottom right corner of FIG. 2A, this self-test may comprise MCU 221providing a signal at MCU_SIMULATION to switch on an SCR and allowcurrent to flow to ground, through R3 in this example. This self-testmay be to assure that GFCI circuitry 200 is able to properly detect aleakage current. If the simulated leakage current is detected, theself-test may be considered passed. MCU 221 may then indicate that theGFCI circuit 200 is normally operating by energizing, for example, asold green LED indicator that is preferably visible on the face of theGFCI device. If the test is passed, the process may proceed to step 110.

However, if the GFCI circuit 200 fails a first internal self-test, arest period, for example, 5 minutes, may be permitted to pass before theself-test is repeated. In some embodiments, a predetermined number ofretesting and resting cycles may occur, for example, five cycles, beforethe GFCI is deemed to be in an EOL condition. If the GFCI outlet 100 hasbeen determined to have reached its end of life, the process may proceedto step 190.

As in step 190, MCU 221 may deliver a triggering pulse or activationsignal, e.g., at TRIG1, to trigger the trip coil assembly 17 and tripthe GFCI, as well as a second triggering pulse or activation signal,e.g., at an EOL output pin of MCU 221, to place the tripped GFCI in anEOL state via safety lock coil assembly 18, as described above. Further,an alert indication of, for example, a blinking red LED may be activatedto signify the EOL state to the user. Once in the EOL state, the devicewill not be able to be reset or return back to normal operation. Theprocess is ended.

As in step 110, in some embodiments, MCU 221 may assess the RMS voltageto determine if there is an undesirable low-voltage operationalcondition is occurring. For example, with respect to the circuitrydepicted in FIGS. 2A-2D, MCU 221 may receive an indication of the RMSvoltage at MCU_V_ADC and convert it to a digital value. If the observedRMS voltage is at or above a threshold voltage level, for example, 80V_(AC), it may be determined that a low-voltage operational condition isnot occurring and the process may proceed to step 120. If however, theRMS voltage is not above a detection threshold, it may be determinedthat the low-voltage operational condition is occurring. In such a case,MCU 221 may provide a signal, e.g., at TRIG1, to trigger the trip coilassembly 17 and trip the GFCI, as in step 180. Further, MCU 221 mayprovide an alert to the user of the low-voltage operational condition,for example by directing both a green LED and a red LED of GFCI 100 toremain on.

As in step 120, MCU 215 may assess the back-EMF detection signal, forexample, the signal at EBMF_DETECT, as discussed above. If the back-EMFdetection signal indicates that back-EMF noise may be occurring or hasjust occurred—which suggests that back-EMF noise might affect leakagecurrent signal assessment—the process may proceed to step 170. Inalternative embodiments, if the back-EMF detection signal indicates thatback-EMF noise may be occurring or has just occurred, the process maypause until the back-EMF detection signal returns to its normalcondition. Where the back-EMF detection signal indicates that back-EMFis not occurring and that GFCI circuitry 200 has recovered from anyrecently occurring back-EMF noise, the process may proceed to step 130.

As in step 130, MCU 221 may monitor the leakage signal, for example thewaveform at GFCI_DETECT, for a drop to logic low or another indicationthat there is an imbalance between the supply and return currents. Ifthere is no drop to logic low, the process may proceed to step 170. Ifleakage signal drops to logic low, the process may proceed to step 140.

As in step 140, MCU 221 may analyze the leakage signal, for example thewaveform at GFCI_DETECT, to compare the duration of the logic low to alogic low threshold, for example, of 1.7 ms or of another durationbetween 1.6 ms and 1.8 ms. In other embodiments, the leakage signal maybe monitored to check whether the current imbalance is greater than orequal to a current imbalance threshold of, for example, 5 mA or anothercurrent between 4 mA and 6 mA, via another method. If the logic lowthreshold is exceeded (or, met or exceeded, in some embodiments), MCU221 may determine that a ground fault has occurred; MCU 221 may thenprovide a signal, e.g., at TRIG1, to trigger the trip coil assembly 17and trip the GFCI outlet 100, as in step 180. If, however, the logic lowthreshold is not exceeded (or, not met, in some embodiments), theprocess may proceed to step 150.

As in step 150, MCU 221 may analyze the leakage signal, for example thewaveform at GFCI_DETECT, to count the number of pulses that occur withina predetermined window of, for example, 10 ms or another duration lessthan 10 ms. If the number of counted pulses with the predeterminedwindow meets or exceeds (or just exceeds, in some embodiments) apredetermined number of pulses of, for example, 15 pulses or anothernumber between 12 and 18, then MCU 221 may determine that a neutral toground leakage has occurred. MCU 221 may then provide a signal, e.g., atTRIG1, to trigger the trip coil assembly 17 and trip the GFCI, as instep 180. If, however, the predetermined number of pulses is notexceeded (or not met, in some embodiments), the process may proceed tostep 170.

As in step 170, MCU 221 may determine whether it is time for anotherself-test. In some embodiments, a self-test may be required every 2.5hours. In other embodiments, the self-test interval may larger orsmaller, for example between 1 and 4 hours; it may be determined by ULor other regulatory requirements. If it is time for a periodicself-test, then the process may proceed to step 101. Otherwise, theprocess may proceed to step 110.

As in step 180, upon a determination that there is a ground fault, orother serious electrical fault, MCU 221 may cause GFCI 200 to enter atripped state. The process may end here. A solid red LED signal mayindicate that a ground fault has occurred. As is known in the art, theprocess may then restart upon a manual pressing (and release) of resetbutton 55, provided that the electrical fault is no longer occuring.

In some embodiments, in addition to or alternatively to the self-testprocedure, MCU 221 may periodically monitor its the operating condition,for example, input voltage and input current to ensure normal operatingconditions. As an example, step 110, discussed above, may be included insuch monitoring instead of its position within the flowchart of FIG. 1.Such monitoring may proceed, for example, every 10-15 minutes. In theevent that there is an abnormal operating condition detected during theconstantly monitoring process, MCU 221 may cause a red LED to blink asan indication of such an error. Thus, if such a situation persists, auser may be alerted to investigate possible causes of suchirregularities by the blinking red LED.

When GFCI 100 is running properly, it may indicate such an operatingcondition by illuminating a green LED.

In the preceding specification, various preferred embodiments have beendescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will, however,be evident that various other modifications and changes may be madethereto, and additional embodiments may also be implemented, withoutdeparting from the broader scope of the invention as set forth in theclaims that follow.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spiritof the invention being indicated by the following claims.

1. A ground fault circuit interrupter, comprising: a current imbalancedetection circuit configured to provide a leakage signal, the leakagesignal corresponding to a current imbalance between a supply path and areturn path; a trip coil assembly configured to trip the ground faultcircuit interrupter in response to a first trigger signal; and a safetylock coil assembly configured to place a tripped ground fault circuitinterrupter in a mechanically permanent end-of-life state; and a mainprocessing circuit comprising a processor, wherein the processor isconfigured to: receive the leakage signal; analyze a time pattern of theleakage signal; determine whether a ground fault exists based onanalysis of the time pattern; and generate the first trigger signal ifthe ground fault is determined to exist. 2-24. (canceled)
 25. The groundfault circuit interrupter of claim 1, wherein: the safety lock coilassembly is configured to place the tripped ground fault circuitinterrupter in the mechanically permanent end-of-life state in responseto a second trigger signal.
 26. The ground fault circuit interrupter ofclaim 25, wherein the processor is further configured to: administer aself-test at start-up and cyclically on a self-test interval todetermine if the ground fault circuit interrupter is in an end-of-lifecondition; and generate at least the second trigger signal if the groundfault circuit interrupter is in the end-of-life condition.
 27. Theground fault circuit interrupter of claim 25, wherein: the safety lockcoil assembly comprises: a safety lock coil; a safety lock coil ironcore; a safety lock coil attraction plate; and a gap in the safety lockcoil attraction plate; and the safety lock coil is configured toactivate in response to a second trigger signal; and the safety lockcoil iron core is configured to partially push through the gap in thesafety lock coil attraction plate in response to an activation of thesafety lock coil.
 28. The ground fault circuit interrupter of claim 27,wherein: the safety lock coil assembly further comprises: a safety lock;and a safety lock buckle; and the safety lock is configured to be pushedinto the safety lock buckle by the safety lock coil iron core; and thesafety lock and safety lock buckle are configured to engage upon beingpushed together.
 29. The ground fault circuit interrupter of claim 26,wherein: the safety lock coil assembly comprises: a safety lock coil; asafety lock coil iron core; a safety lock coil attraction plate; and agap in the safety lock coil attraction plate; and the safety lock coilis configured to activate in response to a second trigger signal; andthe safety lock coil iron core is configured to partially push throughthe gap in the safety lock coil attraction plate in response to anactivation of the safety lock coil.
 30. The ground fault circuitinterrupter of claim 29, wherein: the safety lock coil assembly furthercomprises: a safety lock; and a safety lock buckle; and the safety lockis configured to be pushed into the safety lock buckle by the safetylock coil iron core; and the safety lock and safety lock buckle areconfigured to engage upon being pushed together.
 31. The ground faultcircuit interrupter of claim 1, further comprising a reset buttonassembly, wherein, if the ground fault circuit interrupter is in themechanically permanent end-of-life state, the safety lock assembly isconfigured to block the reset button assembly from downward movement.32. The ground fault circuit interrupter of claim 25, further comprisinga reset button assembly, wherein, if the ground fault circuitinterrupter is in the mechanically permanent end-of-life state, thesafety lock assembly is configured to block the reset button assemblyfrom downward movement.
 33. The ground fault circuit interrupter ofclaim 26, further comprising a reset button assembly, wherein, if theground fault circuit interrupter is in the mechanically permanentend-of-life state, the safety lock assembly is configured to block thereset button assembly from downward movement.
 34. The ground faultcircuit interrupter of claim 27, further comprising a reset buttonassembly, wherein, if the ground fault circuit interrupter is in themechanically permanent end-of-life state, the safety lock assembly isconfigured to block the reset button assembly from downward movement.35. The ground fault circuit interrupter of claim 29, further comprisinga reset button assembly, wherein, if the ground fault circuitinterrupter is in the mechanically permanent end-of-life state, thesafety lock assembly is configured to block the reset button assemblyfrom downward movement.
 36. The ground fault circuit interrupter ofclaim 28, further comprising a reset button assembly, wherein the safetylock and safety lock buckle are configured to configured to block thereset button assembly from downward movement when engaged.
 37. Theground fault circuit interrupter of claim 30, further comprising a resetbutton assembly, wherein the safety lock and safety lock buckle areconfigured to configured to block the reset button assembly fromdownward movement when engaged.
 39. A ground fault circuit interrupter,comprising: a trip coil assembly configured to trip the ground faultcircuit interrupter in response to a first trigger signal; and a safetylock coil assembly configured to place a tripped ground fault circuitinterrupter in a mechanically permanent end-of-life state; and a mainprocessing circuit comprising a processor, wherein the safety lock coilassembly further includes: a safety lock coil; a safety lock coil ironcore; a safety lock coil attraction plate; and a gap in the safety lockcoil attraction plate.
 40. The ground fault circuit interrupter of claim39, wherein the safety lock coil assembly further comprises: a safetylock; and a safety lock buckle.
 41. The ground fault circuit interrupterof claim 40, wherein: the safety lock coil is configured to activate inresponse to a second trigger signal; the safety lock coil iron core isconfigured to partially push through the gap in the safety lock coilattraction plate in response to activation of the safety lock coil; thesafety lock is configured to be pushed into the safety lock buckle bythe safety lock coil iron core; and the safety lock and the safety lockbuckle are configured to engage upon being pushed together.
 42. Theground fault circuit interrupter of claim 41, further comprising: areset button assembly, wherein an engagement of the safety lock andsafety lock buckle mechanically is configured to mechanically block thereset button assembly from downward movement.
 43. A method for placing atripped ground fault circuit interrupter in a mechanically permanentend-of-life state, comprising: providing a trigger signal to a safetylock coil; activating the safety lock coil in response to the triggersignal; partially pushing a safety lock coil iron core through a gap ina safety lock coil attraction plate in response to activation of thesafety lock coil; pushing a safety lock into a safety lock buckle viathe safety lock coil iron core; and engaging the safety lock and thesafety lock buckle to mechanically block a reset button assembly fromdownward movement.